Elk’s Paradise

Story

The elk simply stood there, at ease, gazing out over her paradise. It was going to be a very good day. The spring morning was cool and calm, and the day ahead held considerable promise. The previous days had seen a little rain. The forest was a little brighter, a little greener, and definitely more vibrant than normal.

The snow-capped mountains reached for the rising sun, eager to shed their winter’s burden. High above the clouds lazily drifted by, indifferent to the mountains or anything else below.

This tableau happened in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, where both human and elk consider it a paradise. There is something deeply profound about sharing such a moment as this with nature. I was there, with the elk, enjoying the moment.

Elk and human, while not side by side, stood there together looking out at the glorious, perfect morning, each lost in their own thoughts. It seemed to me that this moment lasted an eternity, and I am glad that it did, for I wanted to soak up every little detail, because I know that I will remember it forever.

Eventually, the moment passed and it was time for us to part ways; we did so, each acknowledging that this moment in paradise was extraordinary. It was going to be a very good day.